Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire by 45 days

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ongoing ceasefire for another 45 days following a new round of US-mediated talks held in Washington, D.C. on Friday (May 16).

The extension is expected to ease tensions in southern Lebanon, where clashes between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah have continued for months despite previous truce efforts. Both sides also agreed to continue negotiations in the coming weeks in an effort to prevent further escalation along the border.

US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the ceasefire, which initially took effect on April 16, would remain in force for an additional 45 days to allow more time for diplomatic progress.

In a post on X, he described the latest discussions as “highly productive” and aimed at addressing long-standing security concerns between the two countries.

The previous ceasefire agreement was due to expire on Sunday.

Delegations from both Israel and Lebanon characterised the latest negotiations as constructive.

Regional tensions intensified after Hezbollah launched missile attacks into Israel on March 2, prompting Israel to step up airstrikes and military operations inside southern Lebanon.

The conflict has displaced nearly 1.2 million people, with large parts of southern Lebanon heavily affected by Israeli air raids and ground offensives.

Last month, US President Donald Trump announced an initial ceasefire breakthrough following preliminary discussions with diplomats from both nations in Washington.

Despite the truce, sporadic cross-border attacks between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued. Southern Lebanon remains the main flashpoint, where Israeli troops continue to hold positions inside what they describe as a security buffer zone.